Synopsis:
At the request of an African president, Korak reluctantly accompanies a small geology crew looking for oil. Led by Dr. Linscombe, they plan to travel into desert areas that contain antagonistic tribesmen. The first day out they discover that Pahkut has stowed away in one of the trucks. They soon discover oil, but are attacked by desert horsemen armed with guns. Though armed, the geologists cannot keep the gunfire from wrecking the vehicles. After the horsemen ride away, they set out on foot, loaded with guns and supplies, and a travois to carry a wounded man. Four days later, they are about to give up hope when they stumble upon a vast ancient city in the sand that has been partly uncovered by Tuareg troglodytes who inhabit the ruins. Korak asks them for some water and supplies, but they trick the travelers by suddenly shoving them into a large sandpit. That night the men make a human ladder so that Korak and Pahkut can reach the rim of the pit. They silently enter one of the abodes and steal provisions and a long rope. Korak discovers the ancient aqueduct that is the source of the troglodytesí water. They are attacked by two warriors but they subdue, bind and gag them. They return to the pit and haul the others out. Now they are detected and they must flee into the buildings to the entrance to the aqueduct. When the Tuaregs discover they have fled through the aqueduct, they ride ahead on the surface and drop gasoline bombs into the water below as the men come under them. Korak is able to defuse the first bomb so they can get past the opening. Korak and Pahkut travel rapidly ahead of the others to the source of the aqueduct in the hills. They arrive at the end before the Tuareg, move the heavy lid and wait for their pursuers camoflaged in the trees. When the Tuareg arrive to wait for the geologists, they camp for the night. Korak and Pahkut terrorize them by baiting one of them into the air with a lasso. The warriors flee, and Korak helps the men out of the aqueduct. They return to town on the camels of the Tuareg that Korak had appropriated.